Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi Pays Tribute to Kargil Heroes, Says Their Sacrifice Fills Every Indian With Pride

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the 136th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'. Highlighting the historical significance of July 26, the Prime Minister first paid tribute to the courage of Indian soldiers and said that Kargil Vijay Diwas serves as a reminder of the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of the country's armed forces.

What did PM Modi say about Kargil Vijay Diwas?

The Prime Minister began his address by saying that there are some dates in our lives that don't require a calendar to remember, and July 26 is one such historic date. The sacrifices made for the nation can never be forgotten. Today, on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the entire nation pays tribute to the valor and martyrdom of our brave soldiers.

"There are certain dates in our lives for which we do not need to look at the calendar to remember. Today, July 26 is one such date. Today is 'Kargil Vijay Diwas'. This day fills us with pride. This day reminds us of the extraordinary courage of brave soldiers. Today, I pay my heartfelt respects to all the brave martyrs and brave soldiers," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister also said that on Kargil Vijay Diwas this year, a special 'Shaurya Vijay Yatra' has been organised.

"This motorcycle journey, which began on July 14th from the National War Memorial in Delhi, will reach the Kargil War Memorial in Dras. Its message is - 'One Ride, One Nation, One Salute.' This journey reminds us that the sacrifices made for the nation can never be forgotten," he said.

Did PM Modi appreciate youth?

While speaking during the monthly address, the Prime Minister touched upon a range of issues, including rainwater harvesting, India’s success in Commonwealth Games, environmental challenges, and conservation.

Praising the scientific talent of Indian youth, PM Modi said that the country's youth power is making history in the International Science Olympiad. 

PM Modi said that in the Physics Olympiad, all five students of the Indian team won gold medals, securing first place in the world. 

"All five of our students won gold medals in the Physics Olympiad, and India secured the first rank. In every Physics Olympiad held in the last decade, students from our country have won either a gold or silver medal. All our students also won gold medals in the Chemistry Olympiad. This has been the best performance so far. All our students also won medals in the Biology Olympiad, including one gold medal. At the Mathematics Olympiad, our students won two gold and four silver medals," he said.

What about space?

Referring to private sector participation in the space sector, the PM said that India's first private rocket exemplifies the skill, passion, and perseverance of young people. He added that the decision to open the space sector to private companies in the interest of youth is now bearing fruit. 

"We all witnessed this historic moment for the Indian space sector. This is India's first rocket developed by the private sector. Our young innovators have accomplished what was unimaginable. They demonstrated incredible skill, passion, and patience," he said.

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister praised efforts to preserve Kashmir's traditional mat, "Wagu", and urged all citizens to participate in the "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign for the upcoming Independence Day and share their valuable thoughts on MyGov.